Miatapower List Archive

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: "Fadi Tara" <(email redacted)>

Just curious if there are any megasquirt users on the mailing list? I'm
looking for feedback from folks who have actually used it...

-Fadi
FSM 1.3
FSM 2.0

<insert thought provoking sig here>

_________________________________________________________________
Don’t just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!
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This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Ashraf Farrag <(email redacted)>

Fadi,

> Just curious if there are any megasquirt users on the mailing list?
> I'm looking for feedback from folks who have actually used it...

I have played with and helped install/tune one on a 1st generation
RX-7. It works quite well for what it is. We had noticeable power
increase on the installed car in terms of power compared to it in
carbureted trim. The problem for installation in lieu of a stock fuel
injection computer (at that time) was that the MS didn't have ignition
controls - it only really worked with cars with a distributor (unless
you want to maintain the stock ECU to control ignition). That has been
about 2 years ago and I understand that they have significantly improved
it and that they either have or are close to having the ignition issue
in the "mainstream" version of the MS (some have hacked it themselves in
the interim). I tried to get some facts together by zipping through
their webpages earlier today but couldn't come up with a concise result
of what actually has been tested/is in production and works...

My interest in this topic stems from wanting an inexpensive fuel
controller for my '90 Turbo. I bought an AEM EMS for my other project
and while I'd love to install one on this car as well, the price tag for
a new one is a little steep (got mine "used" off someone who couldn't
make it work with their car for a pittance) considering it would add
significant monetary value to the car!

Back to the MS - there are two turbo Miatas on the MS "successful
install" section of their forum. It seems as if they used the stock ECU
to control ignition and the MS to deal with fuel...not exactly the
solution I would want.

To deviate a little from the topic at hand - the e-Manage Ultimate seems
to hold some promise in the way of an inexpensive fuel controller. I
have been following the success stories of it on their list and up until
this week, it seemed like it was okay, but all of a sudden, there seems
to be a rash (two) failed units due to overheating of the components.
One was installed by "Canzoomer" - the guys that re-sell the "Blue"
e-Manage to RX-8 owners, so I don't think it was an installation error.

If GReddy works out the bugs, since the unit was just released about a
month ago, it may be a serious contender in terms of function for
price...but I'm not totally sold on it as a solution for "now", since it
took about 2 years for AEM to sort out their EMS so that it ran well for
my application...

Regards,
--Ashraf

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: "Jeff Abrams" <(email redacted)>

There are some guys experimenting with the MS on the RX-8 over on
www.rx8club.com

There is a MS II now and they do have all kinds of different ignition setups
including in wasted spark mode.
There are a lot of mods and hacks to get it to work with just about
everything.
Probably a great project for someone with an extreme DIY attitude.


As for the E-Manage Ultimate - I just bought one and will be installing it
in place of my E-Manage Gold on my turbo RX-8. I was unaware of any
overheating issues. Can you point me in the direction of any threads that
discuss this?


---

Jeff Abrams
(email redacted)

TURBOCHARGED & INTERCOOLED 1.3 liter 2004 Mazda RX-8 GT
TURBOCHARGED & INTERCOOLED 1.8 liter 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
naturallyaspiratedHOTTNESS 1.8 liter 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS


My sister wanted to be an actress, but she never made it. She does live in a
trailer. She made it half way. She's an actress, she just never gets called
to the set.




-----Original Message-----
From: Ashraf Farrag [mailto:(email redacted)]
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2005 7:17 PM
To: Fadi Tara
Cc: (email redacted)
Subject: Re: Megasquirt users?


Fadi,

> Just curious if there are any megasquirt users on the mailing list?
> I'm looking for feedback from folks who have actually used it...

I have played with and helped install/tune one on a 1st generation
RX-7. It works quite well for what it is. We had noticeable power
increase on the installed car in terms of power compared to it in
carbureted trim. The problem for installation in lieu of a stock fuel
injection computer (at that time) was that the MS didn't have ignition
controls - it only really worked with cars with a distributor (unless
you want to maintain the stock ECU to control ignition). That has been
about 2 years ago and I understand that they have significantly improved
it and that they either have or are close to having the ignition issue
in the "mainstream" version of the MS (some have hacked it themselves in
the interim). I tried to get some facts together by zipping through
their webpages earlier today but couldn't come up with a concise result
of what actually has been tested/is in production and works...

My interest in this topic stems from wanting an inexpensive fuel
controller for my '90 Turbo. I bought an AEM EMS for my other project
and while I'd love to install one on this car as well, the price tag for
a new one is a little steep (got mine "used" off someone who couldn't
make it work with their car for a pittance) considering it would add
significant monetary value to the car!

Back to the MS - there are two turbo Miatas on the MS "successful
install" section of their forum. It seems as if they used the stock ECU
to control ignition and the MS to deal with fuel...not exactly the
solution I would want.

To deviate a little from the topic at hand - the e-Manage Ultimate seems
to hold some promise in the way of an inexpensive fuel controller. I
have been following the success stories of it on their list and up until
this week, it seemed like it was okay, but all of a sudden, there seems
to be a rash (two) failed units due to overheating of the components.
One was installed by "Canzoomer" - the guys that re-sell the "Blue"
e-Manage to RX-8 owners, so I don't think it was an installation error.

If GReddy works out the bugs, since the unit was just released about a
month ago, it may be a serious contender in terms of function for
price...but I'm not totally sold on it as a solution for "now", since it
took about 2 years for AEM to sort out their EMS so that it ran well for
my application...

Regards,
--Ashraf

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Regie L Bryant <(email redacted)>

Also an article in this month's GRM on the MS, which I haven't finished
reading yet...

Regie



"Jeff Abrams"
<clavier@bellatla
ntic.net> To
<(email redacted)>
08/19/2005 07:34 cc
PM
Subject
RE: Megasquirt users?










There are some guys experimenting with the MS on the RX-8 over on
www.rx8club.com

There is a MS II now and they do have all kinds of different ignition
setups
including in wasted spark mode.
There are a lot of mods and hacks to get it to work with just about
everything.
Probably a great project for someone with an extreme DIY attitude.


As for the E-Manage Ultimate - I just bought one and will be installing it
in place of my E-Manage Gold on my turbo RX-8. I was unaware of any
overheating issues. Can you point me in the direction of any threads that
discuss this?


---

Jeff Abrams
(email redacted)

TURBOCHARGED & INTERCOOLED 1.3 liter 2004 Mazda RX-8 GT
TURBOCHARGED & INTERCOOLED 1.8 liter 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
naturallyaspiratedHOTTNESS 1.8 liter 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS


My sister wanted to be an actress, but she never made it. She does live in
a
trailer. She made it half way. She's an actress, she just never gets called
to the set.




-----Original Message-----
From: Ashraf Farrag [mailto:(email redacted)]
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2005 7:17 PM
To: Fadi Tara
Cc: (email redacted)
Subject: Re: Megasquirt users?


Fadi,

> Just curious if there are any megasquirt users on the mailing list?
> I'm looking for feedback from folks who have actually used it...

I have played with and helped install/tune one on a 1st generation
RX-7. It works quite well for what it is. We had noticeable power
increase on the installed car in terms of power compared to it in
carbureted trim. The problem for installation in lieu of a stock fuel
injection computer (at that time) was that the MS didn't have ignition
controls - it only really worked with cars with a distributor (unless
you want to maintain the stock ECU to control ignition). That has been
about 2 years ago and I understand that they have significantly improved
it and that they either have or are close to having the ignition issue
in the "mainstream" version of the MS (some have hacked it themselves in
the interim). I tried to get some facts together by zipping through
their webpages earlier today but couldn't come up with a concise result
of what actually has been tested/is in production and works...

My interest in this topic stems from wanting an inexpensive fuel
controller for my '90 Turbo. I bought an AEM EMS for my other project
and while I'd love to install one on this car as well, the price tag for
a new one is a little steep (got mine "used" off someone who couldn't
make it work with their car for a pittance) considering it would add
significant monetary value to the car!

Back to the MS - there are two turbo Miatas on the MS "successful
install" section of their forum. It seems as if they used the stock ECU
to control ignition and the MS to deal with fuel...not exactly the
solution I would want.

To deviate a little from the topic at hand - the e-Manage Ultimate seems
to hold some promise in the way of an inexpensive fuel controller. I
have been following the success stories of it on their list and up until
this week, it seemed like it was okay, but all of a sudden, there seems
to be a rash (two) failed units due to overheating of the components.
One was installed by "Canzoomer" - the guys that re-sell the "Blue"
e-Manage to RX-8 owners, so I don't think it was an installation error.

If GReddy works out the bugs, since the unit was just released about a
month ago, it may be a serious contender in terms of function for
price...but I'm not totally sold on it as a solution for "now", since it
took about 2 years for AEM to sort out their EMS so that it ran well for
my application...

Regards,
--Ashraf

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: "Mark Rivera" <(email redacted)>

I was pretty determined to buy the UMS (ultra-megasquirt) when it was to be
released, which will still not be for quite a while, according to my last
check of the forum. I think MS-II is still in beta testing, actually. UMS
is supposed to be an improved take off of MS-II, and should include the
ability to individually control fuel sequentially and spark for each
cylinder. At one time (could still be) there was supposed to even be some
ion-knock-sensing in the works for the UMS, but don't quote me. Also, it
was to include WBO2 circuitry on-board.

I couldn't wait any longer, and went with the Link, instead.

I'll bet it's capability will surpass just about anything out there, when
it's finally released. Those guys really know what they're doing, and
they're being very careful to ensure good function before releasing
anything. There's a good sized network of people using and helping develop
the Megasquirt products, so I can only see good things coming from the UMS
eventually.

All that said, it seems you could get good results from the original MS, at
least the variation that controls spark as well. You'd better be ready for
a lot of DIY'ing with sensors and such, though.

Mark

-----Original Message-----
From: Regie L Bryant [mailto:(email redacted)]
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2005 9:20 AM
To: Jeff Abrams
Cc: (email redacted)
Subject: RE: Megasquirt users?


Also an article in this month's GRM on the MS, which I haven't finished
reading yet...

Regie



"Jeff Abrams"
<clavier@bellatla
ntic.net> To
<(email redacted)>
08/19/2005 07:34 cc
PM
Subject
RE: Megasquirt users?










There are some guys experimenting with the MS on the RX-8 over on
www.rx8club.com

There is a MS II now and they do have all kinds of different ignition
setups
including in wasted spark mode.
There are a lot of mods and hacks to get it to work with just about
everything.
Probably a great project for someone with an extreme DIY attitude.


As for the E-Manage Ultimate - I just bought one and will be installing it
in place of my E-Manage Gold on my turbo RX-8. I was unaware of any
overheating issues. Can you point me in the direction of any threads that
discuss this?


---

Jeff Abrams
(email redacted)

TURBOCHARGED & INTERCOOLED 1.3 liter 2004 Mazda RX-8 GT
TURBOCHARGED & INTERCOOLED 1.8 liter 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
naturallyaspiratedHOTTNESS 1.8 liter 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS


My sister wanted to be an actress, but she never made it. She does live in
a
trailer. She made it half way. She's an actress, she just never gets called
to the set.




-----Original Message-----
From: Ashraf Farrag [mailto:(email redacted)]
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2005 7:17 PM
To: Fadi Tara
Cc: (email redacted)
Subject: Re: Megasquirt users?


Fadi,

> Just curious if there are any megasquirt users on the mailing list?
> I'm looking for feedback from folks who have actually used it...

I have played with and helped install/tune one on a 1st generation
RX-7. It works quite well for what it is. We had noticeable power
increase on the installed car in terms of power compared to it in
carbureted trim. The problem for installation in lieu of a stock fuel
injection computer (at that time) was that the MS didn't have ignition
controls - it only really worked with cars with a distributor (unless
you want to maintain the stock ECU to control ignition). That has been
about 2 years ago and I understand that they have significantly improved
it and that they either have or are close to having the ignition issue
in the "mainstream" version of the MS (some have hacked it themselves in
the interim). I tried to get some facts together by zipping through
their webpages earlier today but couldn't come up with a concise result
of what actually has been tested/is in production and works...

My interest in this topic stems from wanting an inexpensive fuel
controller for my '90 Turbo. I bought an AEM EMS for my other project
and while I'd love to install one on this car as well, the price tag for
a new one is a little steep (got mine "used" off someone who couldn't
make it work with their car for a pittance) considering it would add
significant monetary value to the car!

Back to the MS - there are two turbo Miatas on the MS "successful
install" section of their forum. It seems as if they used the stock ECU
to control ignition and the MS to deal with fuel...not exactly the
solution I would want.

To deviate a little from the topic at hand - the e-Manage Ultimate seems
to hold some promise in the way of an inexpensive fuel controller. I
have been following the success stories of it on their list and up until
this week, it seemed like it was okay, but all of a sudden, there seems
to be a rash (two) failed units due to overheating of the components.
One was installed by "Canzoomer" - the guys that re-sell the "Blue"
e-Manage to RX-8 owners, so I don't think it was an installation error.

If GReddy works out the bugs, since the unit was just released about a
month ago, it may be a serious contender in terms of function for
price...but I'm not totally sold on it as a solution for "now", since it
took about 2 years for AEM to sort out their EMS so that it ran well for
my application...

Regards,
--Ashraf

This read-only message was archived from a public mail list.
Mail From: Regie L Bryant <(email redacted)>

Note that the GRM article (what I read) said you can build from scratch
yourself or buy a kit already sourced and put together, which might save a
lot of the time required.

Regie



"Ashraf Farrag"
<(email redacted)>
To
08/22/2005 09:59 "Regie L Bryant"
AM <(email redacted)>
cc
"Jeff Abrams"
<(email redacted)>,
(email redacted)
Subject
RE: Megasquirt users?










> There is a MS II now and they do have all kinds of different ignition
> setups
> including in wasted spark mode.

MS II (features a spiffy new 16-bit MCU vs. the old 8-bit one) isn't
released from my reading over the weekend.

What is currently being used is the old MS I chip and firmware on the
version 3.0 board and with some custom program code - MegaSquirt and
Spark, Extra which apparently will do dual ignition output but I haven't
managed to sift through all the various threads which explain how to use
the stock CAS to trigger the ignition. Apparently, it is the same as a
Mitsu 1g DSM and someone has one of those (a 1g DSM) running using all
stock devices except for a temp sensor that was added.

It certainly sounds promising and at least with this device, if it's
broke, you can go in there and fix it (if you know what the heck you are
doing).

If anyone else has read through all the jabber (I'm going to try again
when I have some more spare time - that realistically is sometime in 2015)
and can come up with a definitive list of threads (list of circuit mods
and software switches to throw) that more or less give a canned Miata
setup that runs fuel and spark, I may be willing to burn some fingers
soldering and give it a go in the name of science...;)

I have to wonder - I assign a monetary value to my time and guesstimate
the amount of time I will waste troubleshooting this setup, then triple it
for the real amount of time, add in the pain, anguish and stock Mazda
parts I would end up breaking, if it is cheaper to buy a plug-and-play
ECU. It probably is...but what fun would THAT be??? :D

Regards,
--Ashraf